EMBA research proposal mindmap

1. The problem statement leads
into the purpose of the
investigation providing with
specific/concrete/achievable
goals
Research
Proposal
the purpose of the proposal
What-Why-How
(1) to provide a written account of the
research topic we have chosen and why
(2) to provide a plan of our future
research and an explanation of how we
will achieve it
the components of the proposal
WHAT-the topic of the research
WHY-the rationale of the research
HOW-the method of the research
Title Page
it must be an informative title
it must help the reader to understand the
nature of our work
Abstract
try to present a self-sufficient and
convincing abstract
it is a summary of the research to be included
summarize the research
it is not an introduction
Chapter 1
Introduction
it should be a motivational introduction
with (a) scholarly and pertinent
background, (b) rationale, (c) clear
research questions, (d) aims and
objectives, (e) a sound research plan with
rigorous and feasible methods
describing the problem
this is the problem statement section
the problem statement should lead
smoothly into the purpose of the
investigation
explain the rationale and the need behind our project
justify the value of the project, for the
sector, for the academy, for our company
it should set the tone of our proposal
we should tell the reader what we are
going to do in the rest of our proposal
give the structure of the research proposal
Aims and Objectives
include an overall aim for the project that
clearly defines what our dissertation will
investigate
then break down the overall aim into a
number of more specific and measurable
objectives
research objectives should be listed in
order of importance or from the general to
the specific
no more 3-5 objectives
if we are investigating relationships
between variables, the objectives must be
restated as a hypothesis (causal study) hypothesis
if we are measuring attitude or opinions
(descriptive study) the objectives may be
restated as research questions research questions
this section should show that it derives
from preliminary reading
Chapter 2
Literature Review
this is a critical analysis of major research
studies (key articles and texts) that proves
that we are aware of the debates and
issues raised in relevant bodies of
literature on our topic
it contextualises the research that has
already been carried out
it should be a critical analysis of major
research studies already conducted and
other key contributions organized
thematically rather than chronologically or
by author
we may identify any gaps in the literature
and explain how our proposed work is
expected to contribute in the existing
knowledge
Chapter 3
Methodology
we should demonstrate and justify how
we intend to answer the research
questions
explain how we will conduct the
demonstration and justify how we intend
to answer the research questions
we must include the methodology
employed
(quantitative/qualitative/triangulated)
we must include the target group, the size
of sample, the sampling method, the
methods and tools to be used in order to
collect the data and the techniques we
will use to it
Methodology2
Declare what type of survey we have
selected (qualitative-quantitative)
Give a brief justification on why we have
selected the specific type of survey based
on our objectives
Study the population
Sample (Random-Non Random
The sampling process, e.g. survey
Sample limitations
Submit smth about our questionnaire, e.g.
give the themes of the questionnaire or
the interview guide (if we plan interviews)
We can search in ready-made
questionnaires to get some ideas
Ethics
address ethical issues
include some lines in our text declaring
that formal permission will be requested
from involved parts ref the data collection
describe any ethical considerations
access issues of confidentiality or whether
some form of permission is required
Chapter 4
Expected outcomes
address the expected outcomes of the research
declare what we expect to find
clear arguments for our project
explain what we hope our research will find
Implications of the study
analyze potential problems during the research
describe potential problems which might
occur during the dissertation period
describe how we intend to solve the
potential problems
Timescale/Research planning
include a realistic timetable
produce a timetable of planned work
demonstrating an awareness of the need
of the planning
provide the timescale of the research
References
it contains the list of references
it is expected to use recent references /
key references / accurate referencing /
academic articles
Appendices
include a copy of any research tool used
(questionnaire / interview schedule / plan
of observation setting etc) in carrying out
the research
EMBA_Research_Proposal.mmap - 6/28/2012 - Evangelos Ergen